Publishing a Career Development Book with Sujata Ives and Paula Brand

In this episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA Director of Professional Development, discusses writing and publishing career development books with guests Sujata Ives and Paula Brand. They discuss their motivations, the long and challenging process of publishing, the costs involved, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Sujata and Paula offer practical advice, including the importance of planning, asking critical questions, and reading extensively. The episode provides valuable guidance for anyone interested in writing a book.

Sujata Ives, PhD, GCDFI, OWDSI, is a workplace global consultant and leader in the field of career development and employment counseling. She is a sought-after international speaker and international best-selling author of the book and workbook “Activate Success, Tips, Tools, & Insights to Be a Leader in Your Niche” available on Amazon & Kindle. Her keen approach to leadership takes a novel approach through storytelling, self-leading and introspection as foremost to change management, conflict-resolution, and sustainable impact. She was the first to publish an article for SHRM association on the topic of “Common Sense Leadership” and published her counselor story as a foreign-born counselor in ACA’s Counselor Stories series. Sujata is the 2023 recipient of the National Career Development Association’s Diversity Initiatives Award. She was chosen to participate in the 2024 NCDA Leadership Academy class, where she conducted a national and international study through a needs analysis on intercultural leadership, and after graduating she was chosen to become Chair of the Leadership Academy Class of 2026. In addition, she is also Chair of Programs at the Asia Pacific Career Development Association; member of the Awards Committee; member of the Global Connections Committee; Treasurer of the MCA; and Community Coordinator for the World Council on Global & Intercultural Competencies, UNESCO. Sujata has a limited private practice and can be reached at www.drsujataives.com

Paula Battalia Brand is the author of The Purple Parachute: A Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Winds of Career Change. This DIY manual walks you through a step-by-step process to learn about yourself and move you through career transitions successfully. It’s available in all formats (eBook, audiobook, and hard copy). This book is a manifestation of Paula’s passion to empower women in the workplace. Paula is a Global Career Coach & Consultant, LinkedIn Expert, Speaker, Trainer and Author with a background in human resources, workforce development, training and career counseling.  She founded Brand Career Management to provide career services to individuals and employers. Organizational clients have included the World Bank Group, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Executive Educations programs at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Her formal education includes a master’s degree in applied psychology (Industrial/Organizational) from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro. Additionally, Paula currently holds three industry certifications including Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Salary Negotiation Specialist, and Job and Career Transition Coach. Learn more about Paula’s book at http://www.purple-parachute.com/. You can learn more about Paula at www.brandcareermanagement.com.

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